Section 201 of the Income Tax Act

Income-tax Act, 2025: s.398

Section 201 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 corresponds to section 398 (Consequences of failure to deduct or pay or, collect or pay) of the Income-tax Act, 2025.

Read section 398 of the 2025 Act

Correspondence checked against the ICAI tabular mapping of the two Acts and the BharatTax.co section commentary.

The decision most relied on for Section 201 is Hindustan Coca Cola Beverage Pvt. Ltd. v. CIT (293 ITR 226), cited in 576 of the 1,566 judgments on BharatTax that turn on this section.

Leading authorities on Section 201

Hindustan Coca Cola Beverage Pvt. Ltd. v. CIT
293 ITR 226 · 2007 · Supreme Court
576
citing judgments

The deductor cannot be treated as an assessee-in-default under Section 201(1) if the deductee has already paid the tax or offered the impugned receipts in their return of income. However, interest under Section 201(1A) for delayed deposit of tax can still be levied up to the date of filing of the return of income by the deductee.

MALPE VISHWANATH ACHARYA AND OTHERS v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ANOTHER. 365 32
9 SCC 1 · 2018 · Supreme Court
533
citing judgments
254 ITR 121 (Guj) ITO v. Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Co. Ltd.
243 ITR 435 · 2000 · High Court
173
citing judgments
Jagaran Prakashan Ltd. v. DCIT
345 ITR 288 · 2012 · High Court
164
citing judgments

A deductor cannot be treated as an assessee in default for failure to deduct tax at source if the recipient has already paid the income tax directly. The onus is on the deductor to prove that the recipient has paid the tax.

Chandra Kishore Jha v. Mahavir Prasad
8 SCC 266 · 1999 · Supreme Court
163
citing judgments

If a statute or law prescribes that a thing must be done in a particular manner, then it must be done in that manner alone and in no other way. This principle mandates strict adherence to statutory procedures.

CIT vs. Nicholas Piramal India Ltd (2008) 299 ITR 0356 (BOMBAY); CIT v. Semiconductor Complex Ltd.
282 ITR 263 · 2006 · High Court
159
citing judgments

An employer making a bona fide estimate of taxable salary income is acting in accordance with established legal precedent.

Verizon Communications Singapore Pte Ltd. v. ITO
361 ITR 575 · 2014 · High Court
156
citing judgments

Payments for the use of equipment or copyrighted articles constitute royalty income under section 9(1)(vi) of the Income-tax Act, necessitating TDS deduction under section 195 and attracting disallowance under section 40(a)(i) for non-compliance.

CIT v. Associated Cement Companies Ltd.
172 ITR 257 · 1988 · Supreme Court
126
citing judgments

An expenditure is classified as either capital or revenue; the 'enduring benefit' test is a key criterion for this distinction, and income tax law does not generally recognize deferred revenue expenditure unless specifically provided.

State Lotteries & Ors. (2001) 249 ITR 186 and Ahmedabad Stamp Vendors Association v. Union of India
257 ITR 202 · 2002 · High Court
121
citing judgments

Supplementary commission forional or extra services does not fall within the ambit of Section 194H of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This may affect the applicability of certificates issued under Section 197.

CIT v. NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation
305 ITR 137 · 2008 · High Court
96
citing judgments

When no specific statutory period of limitation exists, proceedings under Section 201(1) and 201(1A) of the Income-tax Act, particularly for payments to non-residents, must be initiated within a reasonable period of four years. This limitation also applies to consequential penalty proceedings under Section 271C.

Judgments on Section 201

Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited, Chennai vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, TDS Circle 1(1), Chennai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed and the Stay Applications filed by the assessee are dismissed

ITA 2215/CHNY/2024[2019-20]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai22 Jan 2025AY 2019-20

Bench: Shri S.S. Viswanethra Ravi & Shri Jagadishआयकर अपील सं./I.T.A. Nos.2201 & 2202, 2203 & 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211 & 2212, 2213 & 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Years: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2015- 16, 2018-19 & 2019-20 & S.A. Nos. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 & 75/Chny/2024 [In I.T.A. Nos.2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024] Cognizant Technology Solutions India Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Private Limited, No. 5/535, Okkiyam Income Tax, Thoraipakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Circle 1(1), Road, Chennai 600 097. Chennai. [Pan:Aaacd3312M] (अपीलाथ"/Appellant) (""थ"/Respondent) अपीलाथ" की ओर से / Appellant By : Shri N.V. Balaji, Advocate ""थ" की ओर से/Respondent By : Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. Cit सुनवाई की तारीख/ Date Of Hearing : 27.11.2024 & 03.12.2024 घोषणा की तारीख /Date Of Pronouncement : 22.01.2025 आदेश /O R D E R Per S.S. Viswanethra Ravi: These Eleven Appeals Filed By The Assessee Are Directed Against Separate, But, Identical Orders Passed By The Ld. Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-18, Chennai For The Assessment Years Mentioned Hereinabove. Out Of The Above Appeals, The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2201/Chny/2024, 2203/Chny/2024, 2205/Chny/2024, 2209/Chny/2024

For Appellant: Shri N.V. Balaji, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. CIT
Section 133ASection 201Section 201(1)

Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited, Chennai vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, International Taxation 1(1), Chennai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed and the Stay Applications filed by the assessee are dismissed

ITA 2214/CHNY/2024[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai22 Jan 2025AY 2018-19

Bench: Shri S.S. Viswanethra Ravi & Shri Jagadishआयकर अपील सं./I.T.A. Nos.2201 & 2202, 2203 & 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211 & 2212, 2213 & 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Years: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2015- 16, 2018-19 & 2019-20 & S.A. Nos. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 & 75/Chny/2024 [In I.T.A. Nos.2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024] Cognizant Technology Solutions India Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Private Limited, No. 5/535, Okkiyam Income Tax, Thoraipakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Circle 1(1), Road, Chennai 600 097. Chennai. [Pan:Aaacd3312M] (अपीलाथ"/Appellant) (""थ"/Respondent) अपीलाथ" की ओर से / Appellant By : Shri N.V. Balaji, Advocate ""थ" की ओर से/Respondent By : Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. Cit सुनवाई की तारीख/ Date Of Hearing : 27.11.2024 & 03.12.2024 घोषणा की तारीख /Date Of Pronouncement : 22.01.2025 आदेश /O R D E R Per S.S. Viswanethra Ravi: These Eleven Appeals Filed By The Assessee Are Directed Against Separate, But, Identical Orders Passed By The Ld. Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-18, Chennai For The Assessment Years Mentioned Hereinabove. Out Of The Above Appeals, The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2201/Chny/2024, 2203/Chny/2024, 2205/Chny/2024, 2209/Chny/2024

For Appellant: Shri N.V. Balaji, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. CIT
Section 133ASection 201Section 201(1)

Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited, Chennai vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, International Taxation 1(1), Chennai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed and the Stay Applications filed by the assessee are dismissed

ITA 2212/CHNY/2024[2015-16]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai22 Jan 2025AY 2015-16

Bench: Shri S.S. Viswanethra Ravi & Shri Jagadishआयकर अपील सं./I.T.A. Nos.2201 & 2202, 2203 & 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211 & 2212, 2213 & 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Years: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2015- 16, 2018-19 & 2019-20 & S.A. Nos. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 & 75/Chny/2024 [In I.T.A. Nos.2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024] Cognizant Technology Solutions India Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Private Limited, No. 5/535, Okkiyam Income Tax, Thoraipakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Circle 1(1), Road, Chennai 600 097. Chennai. [Pan:Aaacd3312M] (अपीलाथ"/Appellant) (""थ"/Respondent) अपीलाथ" की ओर से / Appellant By : Shri N.V. Balaji, Advocate ""थ" की ओर से/Respondent By : Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. Cit सुनवाई की तारीख/ Date Of Hearing : 27.11.2024 & 03.12.2024 घोषणा की तारीख /Date Of Pronouncement : 22.01.2025 आदेश /O R D E R Per S.S. Viswanethra Ravi: These Eleven Appeals Filed By The Assessee Are Directed Against Separate, But, Identical Orders Passed By The Ld. Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-18, Chennai For The Assessment Years Mentioned Hereinabove. Out Of The Above Appeals, The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2201/Chny/2024, 2203/Chny/2024, 2205/Chny/2024, 2209/Chny/2024

For Appellant: Shri N.V. Balaji, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. CIT
Section 133ASection 201Section 201(1)

Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited, Chennai vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, TDS Circle 1(1), Chennai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed and the Stay Applications filed by the assessee are dismissed

ITA 2211/CHNY/2024[2015-16]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai22 Jan 2025AY 2015-16

Bench: Shri S.S. Viswanethra Ravi & Shri Jagadishआयकर अपील सं./I.T.A. Nos.2201 & 2202, 2203 & 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211 & 2212, 2213 & 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Years: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2015- 16, 2018-19 & 2019-20 & S.A. Nos. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 & 75/Chny/2024 [In I.T.A. Nos.2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024] Cognizant Technology Solutions India Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Private Limited, No. 5/535, Okkiyam Income Tax, Thoraipakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Circle 1(1), Road, Chennai 600 097. Chennai. [Pan:Aaacd3312M] (अपीलाथ"/Appellant) (""थ"/Respondent) अपीलाथ" की ओर से / Appellant By : Shri N.V. Balaji, Advocate ""थ" की ओर से/Respondent By : Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. Cit सुनवाई की तारीख/ Date Of Hearing : 27.11.2024 & 03.12.2024 घोषणा की तारीख /Date Of Pronouncement : 22.01.2025 आदेश /O R D E R Per S.S. Viswanethra Ravi: These Eleven Appeals Filed By The Assessee Are Directed Against Separate, But, Identical Orders Passed By The Ld. Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-18, Chennai For The Assessment Years Mentioned Hereinabove. Out Of The Above Appeals, The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2201/Chny/2024, 2203/Chny/2024, 2205/Chny/2024, 2209/Chny/2024

For Appellant: Shri N.V. Balaji, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. CIT
Section 133ASection 201Section 201(1)

Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited, Chennai vs. Joint Commissioner of Income Tax (OSD), TDS Circle 1(1) (Erstwhile Jurisdiction), Chennai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed and the Stay Applications filed by the assessee are dismissed

ITA 2209/CHNY/2024[2021-22]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai22 Jan 2025AY 2021-22

Bench: Shri S.S. Viswanethra Ravi & Shri Jagadishआयकर अपील सं./I.T.A. Nos.2201 & 2202, 2203 & 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211 & 2212, 2213 & 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Years: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2015- 16, 2018-19 & 2019-20 & S.A. Nos. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 & 75/Chny/2024 [In I.T.A. Nos.2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024] Cognizant Technology Solutions India Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Private Limited, No. 5/535, Okkiyam Income Tax, Thoraipakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Circle 1(1), Road, Chennai 600 097. Chennai. [Pan:Aaacd3312M] (अपीलाथ"/Appellant) (""थ"/Respondent) अपीलाथ" की ओर से / Appellant By : Shri N.V. Balaji, Advocate ""थ" की ओर से/Respondent By : Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. Cit सुनवाई की तारीख/ Date Of Hearing : 27.11.2024 & 03.12.2024 घोषणा की तारीख /Date Of Pronouncement : 22.01.2025 आदेश /O R D E R Per S.S. Viswanethra Ravi: These Eleven Appeals Filed By The Assessee Are Directed Against Separate, But, Identical Orders Passed By The Ld. Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-18, Chennai For The Assessment Years Mentioned Hereinabove. Out Of The Above Appeals, The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2201/Chny/2024, 2203/Chny/2024, 2205/Chny/2024, 2209/Chny/2024

For Appellant: Shri N.V. Balaji, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. CIT
Section 133ASection 201Section 201(1)

Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited, Chennai vs. Joint Commissioner of Income-Tax (OSD), TDS Circle 1(1) (Erstwhile Jurisdiction), Chennai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed and the Stay Applications filed by the assessee are dismissed

ITA 2205/CHNY/2024[2020-21]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai22 Jan 2025AY 2020-21

Bench: Shri S.S. Viswanethra Ravi & Shri Jagadishआयकर अपील सं./I.T.A. Nos.2201 & 2202, 2203 & 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211 & 2212, 2213 & 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Years: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2015- 16, 2018-19 & 2019-20 & S.A. Nos. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 & 75/Chny/2024 [In I.T.A. Nos.2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024] Cognizant Technology Solutions India Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Private Limited, No. 5/535, Okkiyam Income Tax, Thoraipakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Circle 1(1), Road, Chennai 600 097. Chennai. [Pan:Aaacd3312M] (अपीलाथ"/Appellant) (""थ"/Respondent) अपीलाथ" की ओर से / Appellant By : Shri N.V. Balaji, Advocate ""थ" की ओर से/Respondent By : Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. Cit सुनवाई की तारीख/ Date Of Hearing : 27.11.2024 & 03.12.2024 घोषणा की तारीख /Date Of Pronouncement : 22.01.2025 आदेश /O R D E R Per S.S. Viswanethra Ravi: These Eleven Appeals Filed By The Assessee Are Directed Against Separate, But, Identical Orders Passed By The Ld. Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-18, Chennai For The Assessment Years Mentioned Hereinabove. Out Of The Above Appeals, The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2201/Chny/2024, 2203/Chny/2024, 2205/Chny/2024, 2209/Chny/2024

For Appellant: Shri N.V. Balaji, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. CIT
Section 133ASection 201Section 201(1)

Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited, Chennai vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income-Tax, International Taxation 1(1), Chennai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed and the Stay Applications filed by the assessee are dismissed

ITA 2204/CHNY/2024[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai22 Jan 2025AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri S.S. Viswanethra Ravi & Shri Jagadishआयकर अपील सं./I.T.A. Nos.2201 & 2202, 2203 & 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211 & 2212, 2213 & 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Years: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2015- 16, 2018-19 & 2019-20 & S.A. Nos. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 & 75/Chny/2024 [In I.T.A. Nos.2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024] Cognizant Technology Solutions India Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Private Limited, No. 5/535, Okkiyam Income Tax, Thoraipakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Circle 1(1), Road, Chennai 600 097. Chennai. [Pan:Aaacd3312M] (अपीलाथ"/Appellant) (""थ"/Respondent) अपीलाथ" की ओर से / Appellant By : Shri N.V. Balaji, Advocate ""थ" की ओर से/Respondent By : Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. Cit सुनवाई की तारीख/ Date Of Hearing : 27.11.2024 & 03.12.2024 घोषणा की तारीख /Date Of Pronouncement : 22.01.2025 आदेश /O R D E R Per S.S. Viswanethra Ravi: These Eleven Appeals Filed By The Assessee Are Directed Against Separate, But, Identical Orders Passed By The Ld. Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-18, Chennai For The Assessment Years Mentioned Hereinabove. Out Of The Above Appeals, The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2201/Chny/2024, 2203/Chny/2024, 2205/Chny/2024, 2209/Chny/2024

For Appellant: Shri N.V. Balaji, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. CIT
Section 133ASection 201Section 201(1)

Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited, Chennai vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, TDS Circle 1(1), Chennai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed and the Stay Applications filed by the assessee are dismissed

ITA 2203/CHNY/2024[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai22 Jan 2025AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri S.S. Viswanethra Ravi & Shri Jagadishआयकर अपील सं./I.T.A. Nos.2201 & 2202, 2203 & 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211 & 2212, 2213 & 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Years: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2015- 16, 2018-19 & 2019-20 & S.A. Nos. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 & 75/Chny/2024 [In I.T.A. Nos.2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024] Cognizant Technology Solutions India Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Private Limited, No. 5/535, Okkiyam Income Tax, Thoraipakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Circle 1(1), Road, Chennai 600 097. Chennai. [Pan:Aaacd3312M] (अपीलाथ"/Appellant) (""थ"/Respondent) अपीलाथ" की ओर से / Appellant By : Shri N.V. Balaji, Advocate ""थ" की ओर से/Respondent By : Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. Cit सुनवाई की तारीख/ Date Of Hearing : 27.11.2024 & 03.12.2024 घोषणा की तारीख /Date Of Pronouncement : 22.01.2025 आदेश /O R D E R Per S.S. Viswanethra Ravi: These Eleven Appeals Filed By The Assessee Are Directed Against Separate, But, Identical Orders Passed By The Ld. Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-18, Chennai For The Assessment Years Mentioned Hereinabove. Out Of The Above Appeals, The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2201/Chny/2024, 2203/Chny/2024, 2205/Chny/2024, 2209/Chny/2024

For Appellant: Shri N.V. Balaji, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. CIT
Section 133ASection 201Section 201(1)

Cognizant Technology Solutions India Private Limited, Chennai vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, TDS Circle 1(1), Chennai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed and the Stay Applications filed by the assessee are dismissed

ITA 2201/CHNY/2024[2016-17]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai22 Jan 2025AY 2016-17

Bench: Shri S.S. Viswanethra Ravi & Shri Jagadishआयकर अपील सं./I.T.A. Nos.2201 & 2202, 2203 & 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211 & 2212, 2213 & 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Years: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2015- 16, 2018-19 & 2019-20 & S.A. Nos. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 & 75/Chny/2024 [In I.T.A. Nos.2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2209, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 & 2215/Chny/2024] Cognizant Technology Solutions India Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Private Limited, No. 5/535, Okkiyam Income Tax, Thoraipakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Circle 1(1), Road, Chennai 600 097. Chennai. [Pan:Aaacd3312M] (अपीलाथ"/Appellant) (""थ"/Respondent) अपीलाथ" की ओर से / Appellant By : Shri N.V. Balaji, Advocate ""थ" की ओर से/Respondent By : Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. Cit सुनवाई की तारीख/ Date Of Hearing : 27.11.2024 & 03.12.2024 घोषणा की तारीख /Date Of Pronouncement : 22.01.2025 आदेश /O R D E R Per S.S. Viswanethra Ravi: These Eleven Appeals Filed By The Assessee Are Directed Against Separate, But, Identical Orders Passed By The Ld. Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-18, Chennai For The Assessment Years Mentioned Hereinabove. Out Of The Above Appeals, The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2201/Chny/2024, 2203/Chny/2024, 2205/Chny/2024, 2209/Chny/2024

For Appellant: Shri N.V. Balaji, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri C. Murugesan, Addl. CIT
Section 133ASection 201Section 201(1)